Everton were exploring a deal to sign Bilal El Khannouss last summer transfer window.
Following his relegation with Leicester City, Bilal El Khannouss was identified as a target for David Moyes.
It was reported that Everton made an approach to sign El Khannouss, but evidently, they decided against making a bid.
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Everton manager David Moyes.
Stuttgart benefited from that, as they signed the Moroccan playmaker on an initial loan with an obligation to buy for just £21m.
That now looks like an absolute bargain as the 2004-born has established himself as one of the most exciting prospects on the continent.
Everton must be regretting that missed opportunity now.
Bilal El Khannouss.
Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images
Former Everton target Bilal El Khannouss has 14 goal involvements this season
El Khannouss has been a revelation for Stuttgart this season, as he’s registered 14 goal involvements across all competitions.
Competition Games Goals Assists
Bundesliga 18 3 3
Europa League 9 5 –
DFB-Pokal 3 – 1
Championship 2 – 2
EFL Cup 1 – –
Bilal El Khannouss stats 2025/26
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As such, the 21-year-old is already attracting Premier League interest ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to SportsBoom, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Leeds United are all closely monitoring El Khannouss.
Everton could certainly do with his profile, as they’re often lost for ideas when they have to break down a low-block.
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Troy Parrott lined up for the Republic of Ireland. Ivan Toney playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. Richarlison playing for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Credit: Getty Images/Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile/Yasser Bakhsh/Molly Darlington/Copa.
The Toffees’ home form has been so poor for that very reason. They don’t have enough creativity in the middle of the park.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is a fantastic player, but he’s not the type to break lines and create something out of nothing, certainly not as often as El Khannouss.
So, perhaps Moyes and his recruitment staff will revisit a deal for the Morocco international in the summer.
It may come at a premium now, though.
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